UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I
Question 51: Environment and Ecology
A sandy and saline area is the natural habitat of an Indian animal species. The animal has no predators in that area but its existence is threatened due to the destruction of its habitat. Which one of the following could be that animal ?
AnswerThe answer is (b).
The Indian wild ass, or khur, lives in the saline desert and salt marshes of the Little Rann of Kutch in Gujarat, which is why it is also called the Rann wild ass. Its habitat is shrinking because of salt-pan expansion, grazing and cultivation, which threatens its survival. The Indian wild buffalo is a swamp and grassland animal, the wild boar is widespread, and the Indian gazelle, or chinkara, lives in dry scrub and desert.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) The wild buffalo lives in wet grasslands and swamps, not in saline sand.
- (b) Right: the Indian wild ass of the Rann of Kutch.
- (c) The wild boar is widespread and not threatened by this habitat loss.
- (d) The Indian gazelle lives in dry scrub and desert, and is not tied to saline flats.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.